Grey Bruce Boomers Fall 2021

y Michele Mannerow
As I sit on my deck at the cottage this weekend, waiting
for yet another storm to roll through, it’s tough not to
dream about the days when I will eventually no longer be
returning to civilization and the Monday-to-Friday grind.
You would think that retirement would be something to
which we can look forward with excited anticipation. For
some, however, that magical date seems a distant and
perhaps unnerving time. If you haven’t spent at least some
time with your family and possibly an advisor discussing,
clarifying, and planning for the future, the anxiety can be
significant.
How does someone know when they’ll be physically and
emotionally ready to walk away from what is, for many
people, a big part of their identity and even their raison
d’etre – the reason they get up in the morning?
Questions include, have I saved enough to provide for a
comfortable retirement income? How much will I be
spending in retirement? What will I do to remain active,
both physically and mentally? How will I take income from
my retirement portfolio? What other pension income am
I eligible for? Will I travel? Do I wish to volunteer, start
new or return to long-neglected hobbies? Will I continue
to work part time even if I don’t have to?
So. Many. Questions. The answers and stress relief are
there if you choose to spend some time looking for them.
I advise, guide, and then watch as my clients move into
retirement. Each situation seems slightly different than the
next, and it often takes a few years for people to become
comfortable with their circumstances. We feel around,
making adjustments to income or expenses, until suddenly
you realize the years have passed and all that planning has
indeed allowed you to live the retirement for which you
had hoped.
Three things to consider
Physical, psychological, and emotional concerns.
I call this the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ category. Although my
job certainly doesn’t focus on this area, I have noticed
something over my 30-year career – the age of 70 seems
to be the point of no return for many. If my clients have
led a somewhat sedentary lifestyle, it seems about 70 when
• Home Support and Personal Care
• Companion and Mobility Support for
errands, outings, appointments, etc.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery Support
• Caregiver Relief/Respite
No matter your age and no matter
where you are (home, hospital,
retirement residence, long term care, etc.)
we are honoured to be able to help you
519.395.3982
Toll Free:
1.855.395.3982
Bruce and Grey County,
Wellington County,
North Huron and
North Perth Counties
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
• Private Home Health Care
• Qualified, professional and compassionate
local support
• Celebrating 10 years of service
• Our caregivers live in the towns we support
all across Bruce, Grey, Northern Perth,
and Northern Huron Counties
• One on one comprehensive support for
individuals with chronic condition, effects
of aging, injury or illness.
kylie@ruralhomecare.ca
www.ruralhomecare.ca
FALL 2021 • 25